Cook homemade meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce, then top with mozzarella cheese before serving on a toasted hoagie bun. If you're in a hurry, substitute an 18-ounce package of frozen cooked meatballs for the homemade ones.

Medium to hot salsa adds a touch of heat to this favorite meal. Simmer the meat and veggie mixture for up to eight hours for a classic sandwich filling—and set some aside for Spicy Beef Taco Salad the next day.

Chuck roasts come out so tender from a slow cooker, and this cheaper cut of meat is easy on the budget. For dinner, spoon the beef onto hoagie buns and top with provolone, onions and peppers, then pop it under the broiler to melt the cheese.

Lightly spiced beef chuck roast combines perfectly with soft butternut squash in the slow cooker. A surprising ingredient is unsweetened cocoa powder, which gives the dish a rich flavor. Serve with crusty French bread to soak up the sauce.